Office of the Historian

215. Telegram From the Central Intelligence Agency to Operation PBSUCCESS Headquarters in Florida1

Washington, June 20, 1954, 0626Z.

05712. 1. This will confirm Whiting/Playdon/Lynade conversation of 0140 20 June. The authorization granted is as follows:

A.
Authority to conduct flak suppression attacks on AA in Adam. It is understood in this connection that the positions to be attacked will be those most removed from barracks, buildings and any large concentrations of personnel.
B.
Authority to bomb Hank. It is understood that this will not be done until after fullest warnings possible have been given, and adequate opportunity provided for garrison to evacuate.

A and B above constitute the full extent of authorization granted and you must be explicitly specific in your instructions to SHERWOOD in order that there is no opportunity for misunderstanding and no chance that your instructions will be given any broader interpretation. Essential to be avoided that your authorization will be construed by either command personnel or pilots as permitting any air-ground action against other types of targets or other localities.

2. DIR 05706 (OUT 55618),2 para 5: we understand that you will comply and that you consider this can be done with minimum delay and distraction.

  1. Source: Central Intelligence Agency, Job 79–01025A, Box 9, Folder 2. Secret; Priority; RYBAT; PBSUCCESS. Drafted by Wisner.↩
  2. See footnote 2, Document 211.↩